It sounds like Reds fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief! Adding Austin Hays is a solid move for the team. Hays brings some much-needed right-handed pop to the outfield, especially after a relatively quiet offseason from the front office. His history with the Orioles shows he can be a productive player, and the incentives in the contract suggest he could really deliver if he stays healthy and consistent.
How do you feel about this move? Do you think Hays will be the piece that helps turn the Reds into contenders in 2025?
It’s definitely an interesting signing, especially given the context of Hays’ struggles last season. The infection he dealt with could explain a lot of his dip in performance, so if he’s back to full health, there’s potential for him to return to the form he showed in 2023 and before. The Great American Ball Park factor could certainly help his power numbers too—if he’s able to tap into the kind of production he had in Baltimore from 2021-2023, he could be a real asset.
As for the Reds’ overall outlook, it seems like they’ve managed to secure a potential bargain at the right price. $5 million for a guy who has had solid seasons and could bounce back is a much safer bet than some of the bigger, more expensive signings in recent years that didn’t pan out (looking at you, Wil Myers and Tommy Pham).
I totally get the mixed feelings, though. It’s not the “big splash” fans might have hoped for, but it still fills a need and adds some depth to the outfield, especially with Hays’ ability to play multiple positions. What’s your take—do you think Hays can have a big bounce-back year in Cincinnati, or are you waiting to see how it all plays out?
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